Bureau Of The Public Debt Aids Savings Bonds Owners Affected By Typhoon Chata'an in Guam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2002

The Bureau of Public Debt took action to assist victims of Typhoon Chata'an in the Territory of Guam by expediting the replacement or payment of United States Savings Bonds for owners in the affected areas. The emergency procedures are effective immediately for paying agents and owners in Guam. These procedures will remain in effect through the end of August 2002.

Public Debt's action waives the normal six-month minimum holding period for Series EE and Series I savings bonds presented to authorized paying agents for redemption by residents of the affected area. Most financial institutions serve as paying agents for savings bonds.

Public Debt will also expedite the replacement of bonds lost or destroyed. Bond owners should complete form PD-1048, available at most financial institutions or by writing the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank's Savings Bond Customer Service Department, 925 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64198; phone (816) 881-2000. This form can also be downloaded from Public Debt's website at: www.publicdebt.treas.gov. Bond owners should include as much information as possible about the lost bonds on the form. This information should include how the bonds were inscribed, social security number, and approximate dates of issue, bond denominations and serial numbers if available. A notary public or an officer of a financial institution must certify the completed form. Completed forms should be forwarded to Public Debt's Investor Services at 200 Third St., Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328. Bond owners should write the word “DISASTER” on the front of their envelopes, to help expedite the processing of claims.